Innovation in collaboration: How a network aims to revitalize the plastics and rubber industry

The challenges facing the plastics and rubber industry are global – and sometimes difficult for individual players to overcome. The Polymer Industry Cluster, based in Akron, Ohio, USA, therefore focuses on collaboration: an alliance of companies, research institutions, start-ups, and investors working together to drive innovation. The focus is on sustainable materials, scalable technologies, and pre-competitive platforms that reduce risks and promote solutions for the circular economy. At K 2025, the cluster will present its innovation accelerator “Synthe6,” among other things, and actively seek exchange with international partners. With an eye toward K 2025, we spoke with Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer Hans Dorfi, PhD.

What does your company stand for - and what particularly characterises your product or service portfolio?

Hans Dorfi: The Polymer Industry Cluster is not a single company, but an ecosystem based in Greater Akron and Northeast Ohio that unites manufacturers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to solve the shared challenges of the polymer industry. We stand for collaborative innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness. Our portfolio is characterized by programs that accelerate advanced materials R&D, connect startups with scale-up resources, de-risk emerging technologies, and foster circular economy solutions.

What topic or innovation are you bringing to K 2025 – and why is it relevant for the industry?

Dorfi: We are showcasing our platforms for innovation and collaboration, the Synthe6 accelerator, and our focus on building the next generation ecosystem in partnership with industry for advanced and sustainable polymer solutions.

What would you like to talk to visitors about at K 2025 – what is particularly important to you?

Dorfi: We want to talk about how collaboration accelerates innovation. Many of the industry’s toughest challenges — end-of-life solutions, scaling bio-based alternatives, or deploying advanced composites — are bigger than any one company. By pooling resources and expertise within a cluster, we can create pre-competitive platforms that reduce risk, shorten timelines, and create shared value for all participants.

What do you expect from your participation at K 2025 and what are you personally looking forward to the most?

Dorfi: We expect to forge international partnerships that link our U.S.-based innovation ecosystem with global leaders in materials, manufacturing, and sustainability. Personally, we look forward to connecting with innovators and partners interested in collaboration, sharing success stories from our regional cluster, and learning how others are advancing sustainable materials at scale.